Michael P. Mayko, Staff writer

Updated 9:35 pm, Friday, April 15, 2011

BRIDGEPORT -- A local lawyer is the latest figure caught up in a series of scams and scandals involving the former owners of the now-defunct Newtown oil company that swindled customers out of at least $250,000 in heating oil contracts eight years ago.

John Bryk, a 61-year-old resident of Trumbull who practices law in downtown Bridgeport, faces a possible prison term after he admitted in federal court Friday that he lied about the buyer's mortgage arrangements on a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development form.

The buyers, Heather Bliss and William Trudeau, are the owners of the former Newtown Oil Co. Both pleaded guilty to state charges stemming from that fraud.

Bryk, who represented the couple in their 2007 purchase of a Westport home, waived his right to a federal grand jury indictment and entered a guilty plea to the single count during proceedings Friday before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall.

While the charge carries a maximum five-year prison term, a preliminary calculation of Bryk's federal sentencing guidelines recommends he receive no more than six months in prison. Bryk is free on $100,000 bond pending his July 1 sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Murphy told the judge Bryk handled the closing of a home at 87 Saugatuck Ave. in Westport that Bliss and Trudeau purchased. Bryk was advised the purchase would be financed by a $350,000 primary mortgage from Argent Mortgages and a second mortgage issued by the seller, the prosecutor aid.

After Bryk learned that Argent would not provide the money if a second loan was taken, he left the information about the seller's mortgage off the required HUD form.

On July 30, 2010, Bliss pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from her participation in this and other fraudulent mortgage transactions. She awaits sentencing.

Trudeau was sentenced to 33 months in prison in 2003 after he pleaded guilty to federal tax and fraud charges. He then became a cooperating witness and assisted the U.S. Attorney's office in an investigation which led to the conviction and resignation of Superior Court Judge Daniel Brennan Jr.

Last November, a federal grand jury indicted Trudeau on bank, wire and mail fraud charges stemming from the mortgage fraud.

Contact Michael P. Mayko by calling 203-330-6286 or e-mailing him at MMayko@ctpost.com. Follow him at mmayko2011@twitter.com.